FBI Probes Fatal Rochester, NY Crash on New Year's Day

The FBI is currently investigating a car crash that occurred in upstate New York on New Year's Day, resulting in the death of three individuals and injuring at least nine others. The incident took place in Rochester as concert attendees were leaving a venue when an SUV, carrying petrol canisters, crashed into another vehicle near a crosswalk. Initially, there is no evidence to suggest that the actions of the SUV driver were politically or socially motivated. However, the driver of the SUV later passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is participating in the investigation, although there are no indications of any ideological or terrorist connections. According to Jeremy Bell, a representative from the FBI's Rochester bureau, involving the task force in cases like these is not uncommon. Bell stated during a press briefing that there is currently no evidence of any ideology behind the incident. The collision occurred when the Ford SUV, traveling at a high speed collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander exiting the Kodak Center, a performing arts venue, around 01:00 local time. The impact of the crash caused both vehicles to strike a group of pedestrians at the crosswalk before hitting two other vehicles. The collision resulted in a fire that lasted nearly an hour, and numerous gas canisters were discovered in and around the Ford. The backseat passengers of the Mitsubishi Outlander were tragically killed, while the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital. The driver of the Ford Expedition suffered life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to them. At least nine pedestrians were harmed, with three requiring hospitalization, including one individual with severe injuries. The authorities have identified the Ford's driver as Michael Avery, a 35-year-old from Syracuse, New York. Avery had rented a hotel room and the Ford in the Rochester area. He also purchased the petrol canisters while in the city. Although the motive behind the incident remains unclear, police have spoken to Avery's family, suggesting that he may have been dealing with undiagnosed mental health issues. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans expressed condolences in a statement, emphasizing the ongoing investigation and requesting patience from the community. The band scheduled to perform at the venue on the tragic night expressed their sorrow and disbelief through a Facebook post.